My hopeful Birth Plan

Seeings how I am about 4 weeks out I thought I would share my Birth Plan to the world and then when our Little Bean comes, we’ll see what REALLY happened!

As most of you know (if you read my blog ever…) I want to have this baby as natural as possible. In fact, if it was my choice I would have this baby at home with a midwife. But my dear husband isn’t game, so therefore, we hired a Doula and will be having our baby at a newly remodeled Hospital here in town.

First let me explain what a Doula is. She is a labor coach that you hire on your own research or recommendation from someone. I found my Doula, Brooke,  from fortwaynedoula.org. And then looked at her website for detailed information on how she feels about natural birthing, or just the birthing process in general. I found, that with wanting to have a natural birth, and this being my first time, hiring her would be ideal for not just myself but my husband as well. She is very informative as far as procedures go, what to expect, laboring positions, and hospital protocol. We have meet a few times and went through a birth plan on what I would like to expect when things come up.

Now that you know what a Doula is lets go through my expectations….

Of course, you must all know, that if ANYTHING changes in my birth plan I will not be devastated. Of course, I want to try my hardest to go all natural and medication free, but I know that things happen. Baby changes her plans or position. My body reacts differently. Anything can happen… I am not waiving anything out. Remember, this is my first time.

Ok, here’s the plan.

First, I want to try to labor at home for as along as I can. I will call Brooke as soon as I am having consistent contractions. My idea of comfort is NOT in a hospital! I want free will for as long as I can have it. (and I want to be able to eat if I’m hungry!!! I get sick if I don’t eat for a certain period of time)

I have already begun to have contractions. I have dilated a little bit and my cervix is doing a fine job of thinning out. Also, the baby is sitting nice and low. Yes, I am not the most comfortable, but it’s do-able. I’m not complaining because my body and the baby is doing what they are suppose to be doing.

Brooke has informed BJ and myself that she can pretty well tell how far along girls are by their way of breathing and actions. As some of you may know, there are 3 stages of labor; Active labor, transition labor, and after baby labor (that’s my short version). She’s pretty good at guessing where you are. (Doulas are not certified to “check” a woman’s cervix. F.Y.I) When we all feel it’s time to go to the hospital then we will head that way.

Now, distance is something that we have to take into consideration as well. Unfortunately, my Dr. does not delivery at the hospital that is down the road from our house. So we have to jump on the highway and drive about 20 minutes to get to the hospital. And weather also plays apart of this. HOPEFULLY I will have nothing to worry about but my breathing… hopefully

When I get to the hospital they have a “suite” delivery room with a jacuzzi tub. This would be IDEAL for someone like myself. Laboring in the water is like a natural epidural. Of course, it doesn’t take ALL of the pain away but I know it will help. Unfortunately, I can not have a water birth. I don’t have a definite answer as to why there are no hospitals in Fort Wayne that will allow this, but thats ok… maybe next baby.

There are many techniques to dealing with contractions. I have studied a million different ways it seems. So it will be interesting to see what works best for us.

I also do not want an I.V. unless it is absolutely necessary. I don’t have to worry about the Group B bacteria that I tested for. It was negative. The hospital will not force me to have an I.V. but if they insist on me having something I can have the start of an IV in my hand that I will just cover up.

I would rather not be checked on an hourly basis. For a few reasons. First, the longest distance in labor is getting from 1 to 5 centimeters dilated. WHY would I want to disappoint myself every hour with little progress. I have a feeling I will be able to tell when the contractions change from strong to really strong I will be checked when it is necessary and especially when it’s time to see my baby!!

That also goes along with having monitors on my belly for the whole time!! I think this is just a weight that is not needed the whole time. Thankfully they can put the monitors on for 20 minutes, get their readings, and then take them off.

When it comes to the actual delivery of the baby I want to try and listen to my body when I feel the urge to push. Although I have never done this before, I have a feeling I will know what my body is telling me. Coaching is fine, but I know that pushing can also last for more then an hour… depending on baby.

Secondly, IF my water has yet to break I am not opposed to having the Dr. break it for me. Although some people would not consider it natural, I consider it more natural then Pitocin. The only thing that I DON’T like about this is once it is broken you are put on a 24 hour time clock. If she isn’t born within that time frame they will “force” her out, in fear of infection. I do and don’t agree with this. So hopefully it is something I will not have to worry about.

Also, when it comes to tearing vs. an episiotomy (where the Dr. cuts you), I think I would rather take a chance at tearing. I have not completely discussed this with my Dr., so I need too. I think it’s important to know how your Dr. feels about certain procedures before you make a true decision. I am still pretty two-sided about it. I see benefits on both ends. What if I don’t tear… or wouldn’t have and she still cut me… I guess it’s something you will never know about till it comes.

I do not care for the mirror. Yes, it’s amazing whats happening… but I don’t think I can watch myself push this baby out…. I’ll just want to pull her out with my hands!

My husband will cut the cord. And we are not waiting for the cord to stop pulsing. Again, this is something I am two-sided about. But all in all, my baby will be healthy. Thats all that matters.

And lastly, my hospital offers something for the parents and baby for one hour right after delivery that you can customize yourself. We have chosen it to be just the three of us. I will nurse right away, and the lights will be dimmed and soft music will be playing. It’s a mood setting that I am truly looking forward too!

Well… thats about all I can think of. We’ll see how it really plays out. I feel really great about everything so far. I am letting everything take it’s course. I am in no hurry to have this baby just because the longer she cooks the better

If you have any questions, or there was something I missed please let me know!! Like I said, I know it’s my first time, but there is always a good hope that this can all happen.

Also… if you think I’m crazy for doing this PLEASE do not leave a comment telling me that… I believe that God has given me this privilege of having a baby and this is the way the he wants ME to have our baby. If it’s not for you, thats ok. I give any woman props for having a baby. Because it’s not just the birth that you go through.. but the whole 9 months! Kudos…

The journey continues….

OK, lets be honest…

I have to admit, I LOVE being pregnant!! We feel so blessed that I have only had a few things as far as symptoms are concerned. No real morning sickness. No overwhelming discomfort. Nothing huge.

BUT, there is one thing that I really do not like NOR GET… and it’s Hiccups!!!!!

How the heck does a child in the womb, who isn’t breathing air, get the hiccups!?! And WHY do they have to last so long!?

At first I thought it was cute. You know, it feels like a heart beat in your belly. BUT when it happens 4 to 5 times in a day!!!! Oh my goodness… Just GO AWAY!!! It is truly something I do not like. Yes, I said it. I don’t like this part of my pregnancy! The hiccups are so annoying in so many ways. There’s nothing you can do about them. There’s no way to make it more comfortable. You just have to wait it out…

And then of course your told that if you have a “hiccupie” baby in the womb, they will be like that out! We’ll see…

On a more positive note, I only have 7.5 weeks left!!! This is just crazy!! I am starting to feel huge, although I am still being told that I am small. (well, by some people)

I’m starting to research more supplements to help with my all natural labor (like red raspberry leaf and primrose oil). And today I bought some Digestive Papaya to help with my over active acid reflex!! I’m really starting to get excited! The nursery is coming together and I can’t wait to post up pictures…. but of course, I can’t do that till it’s done!

Have a wonderful week… hopefully I will update sooner then later

Love,

Cherith and Baby Bean

The past 28 weeks of my life

28 weeks sounds like such a short time. But in fact it has been 7 full months! 7 months of a beautiful pregnancy! Yes, it’s had it’s ups and downs. Crazy emotions and joys. But it has been a journey that I have been looking forward to for as long as I can remember.

Here are some “pregnancy symptoms” I have experienced…

Fatigue. I’m not just talking I need a nap. I’m talking, I need to sleep ALL DAY! Body is achy. Muscle’s don’t want to move. TIRED like I have never experienced.

Emotions. Lots of them. Take an emotional woman’s “time of the month” times 10! My poor husband had to sit through it all. Fortunately, it’s not hardly as bad any more.

And lets talk about crying at any given moment! Commercials. TV shows. Something someone says. Good or bad. I’m tearing up. But nothing you can’t laugh about later.

Gagging! HOLY COW! I am not and have never been a gagger! I could have stuck my finger down my throat and nothing would happen. Get pregnant, and I’m an instant gagger! Spit made me gag. Cooking made me gag. Smells made me gag. You name it, it was gaggin’! (thank goodness that goes away!)

Weight gain. Although I have been lucky thus far and have only gained 12 pounds. It’s still something you worry about as a woman. You want to bounce right back after the baby is born. You want to be one of the lucky ones that looks like she never had a baby when you walk out of the hospital! Although, I am realistic and I know that probably won’t be true in my case. I am still overly conscience about the weight I put on.

Speaking of weight… Food cravings!!! I have not had any weird food cravings. BUT if you talk about Pizza I am ALL OVER IT!!!! Pizza is something that I can eat a lot of right now. I always want it. And it almost always sounds good! And doughnuts!!! I love me some store bought doughnuts!!! Good thing they are high in calories because it has kept me from eating a lot of them.

Water! I drink more water then someone running a marathon!!! It’s almost like a life line. I crave it and wake up in the middle of the night needing it!! But that is something I am not ashamed of.

My Bladder! It’s no silly coincidence that pregnant woman have to pee on a regular basis. Fortunately for me it’s has just recently REALLY kicked in. And I just laugh. It’s something you can’t avoid and I would rather have a healthy bladder then an unhealthy one.

Pale skin. This baby has literally SUCKED the pigment out of my skin!!! I use to just DREAD being too pale. And I would RUN to the tanning bed. But I’m actually starting to like it. With the right make up, it could work

Dr. Appointments. I have to say, my favorite thing is when she starts looking for the heart beat. The first time I cried. It’s amazing to just sit there and hear a little heart beat in your belly and know that it’s YOUR BABY that you and your husband created. You start thinking about what she’ll look like. Who will she most act like. And that heart beat is just a reassurance that she is still there and everything is still ok…

Movement. I first felt my flutters around 17 weeks. They were really weak flutters but I knew it wasn’t my organs moving around because it almost felt like a tickle. NOW 10 weeks later she is much stronger and to the point were she moves enough to move my whole body. And having BJ wait to feel her is even more exciting!! I love remembering the look on his face when he first felt her move! What an experience to have.

Before I ever got pregnant I was determined to enjoy my pregnancy NO MATTER HOW I FELT!! Because it’s life. God is trusting me with this little life. To carry her in my womb and into the world. To raise her up with the best of my abilities. Every child is a gift. No matter the circumstances. I look at my 2 year old niece and think about how fast she has grown and the things she has learned. And now I get the chance to raise my own little bean and teach her things. I just PRAY that it will be pleasing to the Lord. That some how, I’ll do it right.

My goals for the rest of this pregnancy is to continue to educate myself. Being a stay at home mom seems to be a shock to people any more. It’s not really heard of. I am blessed with a husband who stands by my wants to be a stay-at-home-mom. I know God will bless this home because we are listening to what we feel is right for this family.

AND… people think I am crazy for wanting to go all natural with this pregnancy and labor. I feel that for me, I am meant to have this baby as natural as possible. For me! Not for anyone else. If you had medication, I am not going to bet you down and shake my finger at you. Everyone is different. God is in everything. Meds or not. I just feel for me and this family, I don’t want medication. (unless I absolutely have too!) Besides… I hate needless and the thought of not having any control. And thats the selfish and stubborn side of me.

So… I have 12 weeks left! Thats it… 12 weeks and our little Sage Madison will come into this world thinking “WHAT THE HECK! PUT ME BACK!”… And then eventually she will thank me when she is 30 or so for bringing her into this world and teaching her about life, and Jesus, and everything else in between.

Sage Madison Carpenter…. I love you already! I love feeling you move inside of me and reminding me that you are going to be a strong woman! And this is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life!

 

My life in Ruins…

Tonight I sit in my living room an emotional WRECK!!! Not that being pregnant is helping that fact… But when the world hits.. it hits HARD!!

To know that God is in control is an under statement. Because that is evident. There is just this side of me that wants to TAKE the control. Not because I feel like I can do it better. But because I want it NOW. Like the little selfish rich girl in Willy Wonka and her famous song about wanting the Goose that lays the golden Eggs “… I want today… I want tomorrow..”

I want answers. I want fixes.

But I NEED Jesus.

I NEED his guidance.

Although I feel like everything is crumbling underneath me at this very moment, I know God has control regardless.

I have no idea where this quote came from but it is what I am sticking to for quite awhile.

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things that I can not change,  courage to change the things I can, and WISDOM to know the difference.”

AMEN

My Future

Knowing that we are going to have a girl is such a big deal because there are SO MANY THINGS that come with having a girl. Pretty Dresses. Dancing. Singing. Cheerleading. Boys. And lots and lots of emotions!!! I don’t consider myself an over emotional girl. I think I have balance. Although, yes, when I was a teen I would cry if I was hurt. But at least I wasn’t screaming! lol.

Also with having a girl there is the known fact that they do things a little sooner then most boys. Like talking. My niece Lucy is just barely over the age of two and she is talking in full sentences, giving dirty looks, and rolling her eyes. Like she 18 already!! It’s amazing to me how fast she has grown and the things she is catching up on. Seeing her makes me very aware of what I’m about to get myself into. And this great video, that is all over facebook, is a great look into my future of having a girl.

Please enjoy a good laugh

19 weeks and counting

I can’t believe it. I’m one week away from being 5 months into my pregnancy.

So many things have changed and happened. First the obvious. My belly! It’s officially poked out. A little more then a poke. Sometime I wonder if I’m suppose to be this big. BUT I’ve only gained 3 pounds!!! Yes, thats right. I haven’t subtracted any numbers to make this post look pretty, it’s the truth. I’m thinking my physical body has lost weight and my baby is making up for it. Which I’m ok with that. Hopefully after she is born I won’t have to work out over time to loose a ton of weight. But I won’t speak to soon Who knows what will happen in the next 4 months.

Another great thing is that I have officially jumped into the “break” stage of the second trimester. I’m not gagging at everything. Smells are still strong but I can get over the nasty smelling ones. I never was nauseous. Never really had morning sickness. So thats nothing to worry about. I’m still tired. But I can make it through a whole day without a nap! LOL that was something that worried me. Never thought someone could be SO TIRED!! And I’m not having to eat every 2 hours any more!! lol. My appetite is finally getting back to “some what” of what it was. Still a little picky, but nothing I can’t deal with.

And now for the fun part!! MOVEMENT! What an amazing feeling!! I love noticing it. I love feeling it and everywhere she goes. Sometimes I can move and she’ll go all to one side and I just feel a huge lump in my stomach. And then it’s gone. But my favorite thing is BJ questioning it if it “really is her or just gas”.. or my muscles moving, or organs moving. LOL.. I was told that he would question it, but didn’t think it would be this much. Oh well, it’s cute. It’s all because he can’t feel anything yet. He tries to be patient and keep his hand on my belly, but that last all but 30 seconds because she’ll stop. Typical right?!

I love being pregnant!!! I love that all my close friends are pregnant or have little ones already. And funny enough, they all have girls!! So I’m already thinking about mommy days. Play dates. Tea parties. Dress ups. The park. Everything. I’m very ready for it all!! I never thought I would be this ready to be a mommy, but it’s funny how it works out this way. even though we got pregnant sooner then we expected too, I’m ready for it!!

While I’m thinking about it…

Got any tips for these last few months of Pregnancy? I know walking is a huge deal, but what else. Tell me something only Girlfriends told you. or something you figured out on your own… I need to know, so please share!!!!

Children make you worry

No matter how old they are. Either in the womb, age five or 16… they can really keep you on your toes.

Today, I had my first experience of that. I ended up bleeding today and that set off huge red flags for us. After talking to my doctor we figured out that I had a blood clot that decided to leave my body. What a scary thing to go through. Even though I am “out of the risky zone” it’s still scary. My mom said it perfectly today saying “you didn’t know you could start loving something so soon without even seeing it”. And thats so true. I love this baby so much already, and to lose it this far along would be devastating.

Thank you Jesus thats NOT what happened.

Baby is fine. Completely fine actually. I knew this baby was a mover but the baby proved that in the Ultrasound!! Never once did our little bean stop moving and waving and sucking on fingers. I was just in AWE of this little person. I couldn’t (and still can’t) believe this baby is sitting inside of me, growing and living! WOW… such a blessing and a privilege to experience.

With the Ultra sound also came the great announcement of the sex of our baby and drum roll please….

IT’S A GIRL!!!!

We are so excited. I have had nothing but girl dreams for the past few years, so this is all starting to ring out to everything I had hoped it to be.

And her name will be Sage Madison. It has been since the dreaming began so it is only fitting that I keep it

More updates will come like our trip to Ireland and London. Thats just more time…. some other time that is

Good night world, and soon we will be saying hello to our little girl!

Second Trimester here I come!

Well me and Baby Bean are officially 12 weeks along and I can’t believe I’m in my second trimester ALREADY! It seems like I just told everyone and everyone is catching on to the fact that I’m going to be a mommy.

So lets see.. What have I gone through….

I’m still hungry ALL the time. It never seems to go away. And whats even worse is if I wait to long to eat I won’t be able to actually eat much when I do sit down to eat. THAT is more frustrating then anything. I’m on a 2 hour roll it seems. On the money, every 2 hours, I’m hungry.

I was told that I wouldn’t be as tired and that I would get a break during my second trimester… I’m still waiting for that. I’m very tired and still feel moody and Blah really.

Lets see, what else. I’m starting to show!!! Haha, I was going to post a picture up, but can’t seem to find my cord to put pictures on my computer, so you’ll have to wait for that. But no worries, its just the “chubby” stuff, nothing super solid. lol

We get to find out what we are having in about a month and a half! Can you believe it!! Time flies with this baby. But we’re ready. We want to be as prepared as possible. Cause right now it is so hard to plan really anything at all. Not knowing and what not. I don’t know how people do it that wait for the SURPRISE! lol.. not me. I need to plan.

I’m finally starting to feel like I want to cook again. Before I couldn’t wait for all the prep time and cooking time. I just wanted something there and fast. I’m sure BJ is ready for me to start cooking again. Maybe this time off made him miss it?!?!… lol

In just a few short weeks we are planning to go on another Big trip to Ireland. We are so excited but I’m just hoping I come around so I can truly enjoy our time. A weekend or so ago I went to a concert in Ohio for my Dad’s birthday and felt like SUCH a party pooper! Everyone was worried about me being hungry and I couldn’t stand for very long during the concert either. Pray, pray, pray, that some of this fades away at least just for a moment while I’m in Europe.

I was hoping this summer would slow down but really it has just gotten more hectic. I’m learning to adjust and juggling everything. Hopefully I can really get some major things accomplished before the Baby comes. (like clean!)

Well, I’m off to venture another week. In a week and a half I have the fun dr’s appointment with all the blood work and test and stuff I’m not a huge fan of. But it’s all worth it.

Right?!

It’s the start of a new life

After hearing the babies heart beat I am officially going to start to Blog about my mommy venture’s….

It’s been 5 weeks since I found out I was pregnant, and what a LONG 5 weeks it has been!!  I can feel the changes that my body has gone through. I could have sworn I gained 10 pounds over the last 5 weeks, but actually lost 1 pound.

I’ve been told that I’m lucky for not feeling over board sick and not really having to meet with the toliet on a regular basis. I’m pretty sure I had the flu for a few days because I had a fever and achey body, and couldn’t keep a thing down. Then after a few days, I was back to my normal self, eating every two hours and sleeping inbetween!!!

I have to admit, we were not planning this baby. Well, not yet anyways.  We are going on another big trip in August and we were determined to wait because I did not want to have to “hold back” so to speak, on this trip.

BUT, God had different plans. I don’t doubt this baby and God’s plan. I think the timing is more perfect then we could have expected. I’m ready to be a mom. And BJ, well, He’s more ready to be a dad that he might admit. (and he’ll be a great one at that!)

I love the typical questions that everyone wants to know about.

How are you feeling?

What do you want? A boy or a girl?

Was this planned?

How many kids do you want?

Are you going to let people rub your belly?

You have a glow already! And I can see that your showing already!! (are you sure I’m showing or am I just bloated?)

I love the questions. I guess because it’s my first every step is new and exciting. But to answer these quickly and officiantly, I have my answers down to a science.

I’m feeling great, just ALWAYS hungry (and thats frustrating).  I don’t care what we have as long as it gets here healthy and in my arms. No, this was not planned! not yet anyways. I want lots of kids. It’s always been that way. But my husband, well I will get lucky if I can get to 3! And do I really have a say in people rubbing my belly?? Haha. I’m am expecting everyone around me to rub my belly and I don’t care. Just wait till I’m showing and I don’t feel fat! And thank you for saying I’m glowing. Atleast your not telling me I look deathly pale and could really use some sun. Are you sure your feeling ok?? And no, I am not showing. So my Dr. tells me. I can’t suck in. My belly sticks out, and therefore I am bloated. 24/7… and I’m ok with that.

SO, there’s my last 5 weeks. I am going to blog so much more because of this baby and keeping as many people updated as possible.

Love, The Carpenters and Baby Bean…

Here I am Lord… Send Me

Today I had the greatest pleasure to be at church and learn, once again, why I am truly here on this earth.

To go and preach the good word to My Neighbor. My City. My Country. My World.

And now I have a new theme song, thanks to Aaron Jackson and our worship band. Words to live by. Stand by. And to be proud that we serve an amazing Jesus!

God of Justice, Saviour to all
Came to rescue the weak and the poor
Chose to serve and not be served

Jesus, You have called us
Freely we’ve received
Now freely we will give

We must go live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward keep us from just singing
Move us into action
We must go

To act justly everyday
Loving mercy in everyway
Walking humbly before You God

You have shown us, what You require
Freely we’ve received
Now freely we will give

Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6k-knvCWUA